OpenCV WebCam applications in an arduino-based rover

Abstract

In this work we design and implement Arduino-based Rovers with characteristics of re-programmability, modularity in terms of type and number of components, communication capability, equipped with motion support and capability to exploit information both from the surrounding and from other wireless devices. These latter can be homogeneous devices (i.e. others similar rovers) and heterogeneous devices (i.e. laptops, smartphones, etc.). We propose a Behavioral Algorithm that is implemented on our devices in order to supply a proof-of-concept of the effectiveness of Detection task. Specifically, we implement “Object Detection” and “Face Recognition” techniques based on OpenCV and we detail the modifications necessary to work on embedded devices. We show the effectiveness of controlled mobility concept in order to accomplish a task, both in a centralized way (i.e. driven by a central computer that assign the task) and in a totally distributed fashion, in cooperation with other Rovers. We also highlight the limitations of similar devices required to accomplish specific tasks and their potentiality.